Nigella sativa, or black seed or black cumin, is an annual herb that grows to 20–90 cm. Its flowers are usually delicate and of different colors, such as white, yellow, pink, blue, or purple.

Many indigenous cultures and religious and medical traditions have been using this plant worldwide since ancient times. Naturally, this is thanks to its various properties.

Black seed is native to southern Europe, North Africa, and Southwest Asia.

However, it’s been cultivated in several countries worldwide such as India, Syria, Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, in southern European nations and countries of the Mediterranean region.

Both its seeds and oil have a long folkloric history. For example, the earliest records of its cultivation and use take us to Egypt, to the tomb of the ancient pharaoh Tutankhamun over 3,300 years ago.

What Can We Use it For?

Traditionally, black seed was used for the treatment of various disorders and diseases related to the respiratory, immune, digestive, or cardiovascular systems, among others.

For example, in the Hindu and Arab cultures, black seed and its oil were used for food and medicine. Meanwhile, in the countries of Southeast Asia and the Middle East, they used it to treat ailments such as rheumatism, inflammatory diseases, bronchitis, and asthma.

How Can You Use It?

Maceration

The active ingredients are extracted from the seeds through this dyeing process.

This presentation is used in cases of indigestion, loss of appetite, diarrhea, dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, dropsy, and rashes.

Oil

In this case, the oil can be an antiseptic and analgesic.

Seeds

Eating the roasted seeds of Nigella Sativa is useful to help stop vomiting.

The Properties of Black Seed

Nigella sativa is one of the most studied medicinal plants in recent years. As a result, there’s plenty of research out there regarding its uses.

Therefore, there are numerous scientific studies that reassure it can help improve your health if you consume it in a balanced manner.

Among the main healing substances found in the seed, there’s thymoquinone, the main bioactive component of the essential oil.

Also, it contains alpha-hederina. This is water-soluble substance that works as a potential anticarcinogenic agent.

In addition to its protein, fat, carbohydrates, and fiber contents, Nigella sativa seeds also contain a good amount of various vitamins and minerals. These include as potassium, zinc, iron, among others.

It Lowers Blood Pressure

One of the seed’s properties is that it lowers blood pressure and increases breathing.

Therefore, it’s not recommended for those suffering from low blood pressure. After all, its consumption could increase the effects of hypotension, cause shock due to the sudden blood loss, a serious infection, or even a heart attack.

In conclusion, black seed is considered miraculous, and understandably so. However, you should remember that too much of any substance is generally harmful to health.

That’s why we strive to always bring you the best information here at Step to Health.

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The content in this publication is presented for informative purposes only. In no sense is this information intended to provide diagnoses or act as a substitute for the work of a qualified professional. For this we recommend that you contact a reliable specialist.

The content in this publication is presented for informative purposes only. In no sense is this information intended to provide diagnoses or act as a substitute for the work of a qualified professional. For this we recommend that you contact a reliable specialist.